By: Stephanie Reynolds
Hello, my amazing Limestonians! My fabulous trail buddies! My “what’s-around-the-bend” explorers!
We have so many trails and treks coming up for you this spring! The April Walking Tours will take place every Saturday in April at 10 a.m. (unless there is severe weather). This is a statewide program highlighting the amazing history of various communities (but y’all know that ours is the coolest!). It is free, will take 1-1.5 hours, and they are different each Saturday. Here is the schedule — April 5: Houston District, April 12: University District, April 19: Square District, April 26: Beaty District. It would help us if you could sign up on our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/exploreathensal) page, but you can also just show up. We start every walk at the Tourism Office at 100 N. Beaty Street, Athens, AL. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. You don’t HAVE to dress up in historical garb…but you won’t be the only one if you do! (No dogs allowed, though, except for service animals.)
Then we have two trail walks coming in May! The 3rd of May walk will start (and end!) at Warehouse Pizza in Elkmont. We will meet at 10:45 a.m., go a little bit up the Richard Martin Trail, walk back to Warehouse, and the people can get lunch if they want. This walk DOES require a pre-registration but is free. The first 25 to sign up will get a free ice cream at Warehouse Pizza! See our Facebook page for that as well. This walk will be beginner level, about 4 miles long, and fairly flat.
Then on the 10th of May, we will have an intermediate/advanced hike for those who are ready for a challenge. Check our Facebook page in April for more information.
Now, you don’t have to bring a pack on the Richard Martin Trail…but gear is fun! If you read my trail articles last year (see the Athens Now website under “Tourism” to catch up if you missed them), you know the basics: water (!), sunscreen, any medications (especially Epi-pens or inhalers), a decent first-aid kit, a snack (I highly recommend Haribo Gummi Bears), extra socks, bug spray, a hat, multitool, phone charger with cord, hand sanitizer, cordage, headlamp, a couple of handwarmers, tissues, a lighter, and a whistle. This would be more of an “Optimist” day pack for a well-traveled trail. If you were going to go out in the woods, you would want more, but this will get you started.
But when you master the basics of “I Heart Gear” backpacking, here are 11 weird things to consider putting in your pack as well.
1. Some plastic grocery store bags—Useful for putting trash, wet socks, and treasures in. Also useful for keeping things dry if you get caught out in the rain.
2. Hair ties/bands—Useful for hair, of course, but also binding loose straps, half-eaten snacks, or securing a water bottle to your belt if its clip breaks. Also, if you are putting up a tarp, an easy way to secure it is with a small rock and a hair band
3. Duct tape—I don’t even have to mention how useful this is for everything from preventing blisters on your feet to covering a hole worn in your pack or shoes to keeping shoes on if laces break (and you didn’t bring cordage).
4. Feminine products—Not just for their intended use but also can be extra padding for a place that is getting a lot of pressure (shoulder, etc.), or if you need extra protection/gauze for a wound.
5. Safety Pins—So many uses, including some interesting first aid ones that you can Google.
6. Tiny tubes of superglue—Like safety pins, there are multiple uses.
7. Spare underpants—No explanation needed.
8. Vaseline soaked (real) cotton balls—Fire starting and lubricating hot spots and chafing areas.
9. Spare bottle cap (like from a 2-liter bottle)—Protects your hands or feet if you are putting in tent stakes.
10. Small bottle of olive oil—Great for adding calories if you are hiking distances.
11. Plastic netting that onions, etc. come in—For scrubbing pots and for using as a net.
There you go! A few extras to throw in your pack. Do you have any unusual items or unusual uses for regular items? Head to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/exploreathensal and let us know! Also, if you have any pics of you fabulous folk on our amazing trails, please share with our Facebook page and Instagram!
By: Stephanie Reynolds, Athens-Limestone Tourism Association
March 21, 2025
